This is book two of the Destroyerman series. In book one, Into the Storm, Destroyermen, two American destroyers, Walker and Mahan, are limping away from a powerful Japanese war ship, the Amagi, during World War II when a Pacific storm whisks them into a parallel universe. They are separated and the first story focuses on Walker and her crew as they encounter new species: the friendly cat-like Lemurians, who are farmers and fishermen and the ugly, reptilian (dinosaur-like) Grik, who are clearly a barbaric foe.

This second book expands on the personalities and relationships of the Americans and their Lemurian allies who they are training to fight and resist the attacks of the Grik. There are several cities and factions of the Lemurians to cope with. Young but fiercely brave Queen Moran of the Bibadans is one of the first to recognize the leadership of Captain Reddy and the need to take an aggressive stand. Unfortunately the neighboring tribe city of Arial is led by a cowardly King and a sniveling Prince who would betray a temporary alliance. This causes civil war with the mature head of the army, Lord Rollack, joining forces with Queen Moran and the Americans to force back a Grik attack.

There are plenty of personal stories and drama to engage the reader in the characters. Sinji is a Japanese Lieutenant who has become part of the crew on Walker, as has a young Jac, who sees himself as a Destoryerman now, no longer a Lemurian sailor. The teams, American and Lemurian, have discovered that their vessels are more than just ships; they have become homes to the officers and crews. The story is rich with actions of individuals, some brave and some despicable. There is racial prejudice and discipline to deal with. There are strategy plans, vibrant battles, betrayal, dishonor and sacrifice. Well into this story it is discovered that the more powerful Japanese ship, the Amagi, has also been pulled into this alternate world. Its crazed Captain is seeking revenge against the Americans and has allied with the Grik. The Captain has no regard for innocents to the dismay of his second in command.

I am invested in the characters and am apt to hold my breath at times of betrayal and danger. If you like a story full of personal interaction, some military strategy and plenty of action I highly recommend this series.

Audio Notes: William Dufris does an excellent job keeping up the pace, presenting the characters and conveying the tension to bring the story alive. I am definitely looking forward to listening to the rest of the series!

This is a looong chapter in what looks to be a VERY long book "series". My fears after the first book came true, I'm sorry to say. This has all the worst qualities of "series writing". No conclusions to story lines. Relations that don't change. Story line that drags on and on. We learn that the enemy is evil. The Americans and their allies are noble. War is hell. And in war people die (a lot in this case). 16 hours of filler mayhem.

This is akin to watching episode two of a long TV-series with unconcluded episodes. Anderson is a technically gifted writer, no doubt. But I hope he respects his readers enough to write a "BOOK" next time.

Remarkable! I loved the first book and didn't expect the second to match up. However, despite unusual pacing at the start, it flew to incredible heights and left off with a great cliffhanger. Starting the next one tomorrow now that part two is over, three days after acquiring it.

This is a melding of history and sci-fi, yet it is done so incredibly well it feels absolutely real. of course, it helps that one of the masters of the audiobook world, William DuFris, is the narrator. He gives such a thorough impression of the characters, and the kind of variety necessary to tell this tale is mind-boggling. Yet, without calling attention to himself, Dufris lays out the story in an astounding fashion. This was just a dynamite audiobook, and I look forward to the next part of the story.

This book was an excellent follow up to the first book. The narrator works very well with the material and the material is very well written. The historical accuracy of the equipment portrayed is top notch and the world that has been established in these two books is compelling and rich. This series is definitely on my recommended list!